Margin Makers: Guide to Halo 5 merchandise

Microsoft icon Master Chief is back in action in the first full-bodied Halo game on Xbox One. MCV checks in with the Chief’s best merchandise

How do you follow one of the biggest games of all time? That’s the question that Halo 5: Guardians aims to answer.

The first full sequel in Microsoft’s shooter franchise to come to Xbox One, Halo 5 is the direct follow-up to 2012’s Halo 4, which grossed more than $220 million (142m) in sales on its launch day. In the UK alone, the game shot to the top of the retail charts and racked up the 18th-biggest launch in history at the time.

Like Halo 4, Guardians is being developed by 343 Industries. The studio took over the mantle from series creator Bungie in 2011, producing nostalgic remasters Halo: Combat evolved anniversary for Xbox 360 and the recent Master Chief Collection for Xbox One.

More than 65 million copies of the Halo titles have been sold worldwide, generating over $3.4 billion in revenue. The core entries have been supplemented by spin-offs such as Halo: Reach, Halo: ODST and real-time strategy game Halo Wars. A sequel to the latter title is being co-created by 343 Industries and Total War studio Creative Assembly, with a late 2016 release currently on the cards.

Halo’s popularity has even been compared to that of another hit sci-fi brand, Star Wars, by writer Brian Bendis. Like that franchise, Halo boasts multitudinous merchandise options, including novels, films, models, apparel and licensed games accessories.

Beyond Halo 5’s release, the series’ universe will continue expanding. Building upon the live-action feature Halo: Nightfall will be a Halo television series executive-produced by Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg. Announced back in 2013, the show is yet to be dated – but has been confirmed as still in development.

With Master Chief set to once again burst back into the games industry, it’s certainly not time to say goodbye to Halo yet.

Halo Sprukits Level 2 Spartan Jameson Locke Model Kit

Comprising of 110 moulded color pieces, this handy kit allows model builders to snap together a detailed recreation of Halo: Nightfall and Halo 5: Guardians protagonist Spartan Jameson Locke without the need for glue, paint or cutting equipment. The completed figure measures 1.4 by 2.6 by 5 inches high and is articulated.

SRP: 17.99

Manufacturer: Sprukits

Distributor: Bandai

Contact: 01489 790 944

Halo Master Chief HUD Premium Tee

Xbox One owners patiently awaiting the next big release in the Halo series can show off their passion for Master Chief’s interstellar antics with this shirt proudly displaying the armoured soldier’s iconic helmet.

SRP: 19.99

Manufacturer: Jinx

Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK

Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com

Halo 5: GuardiansStrategy Guide

This comprehensive book includes a walkthrough for the entire single-player campaign of Halo 5, plus multiplayer tips.

SRP: 14.99

Manufacturer: Prima Games

Distributor: DK

Contact: sales@uk.dk.com

Astro Gaming A40 +M80 XB1 Halo 5 Edition

This version of Astro’s A40 headset features a dark chrome colour scheme based on Halo 5: Guardians.